Paatos - “Beyond” @ Ino-Rock 2024

The Long-Awaited Return of Paatos

One of the main reasons we decided to attend this year’s Ino-Rock Festival in Inowrocław was the comeback of Paatos. After twenty years, this Swedish band, which has always held a special place in my heart, was once again on stage before me. Their blend of progressive rock, trip-hop, alternative rock and even metal influences has earned them a cult status, though they have remained relatively unknown in the mainstream.

After a long hiatus, Paatos is now returning with high expectations. With an almost completed new album on the horizon and a refreshed lineup, they took the stage again for their first performance in five years. This appearance at the Ino-Rock Festival not only marked their return to the stage but also a potential new beginning for the band.


At the Ino-Rock Festival 2024, Paatos delivered a strong performance that explored both their classic sound and new musical ventures. The set opened powerfully with “Gasoline”, a track that immediately captivated the audience with its perfect balance between dreamy atmospheres and explosive energy. The band successfully preserved the raw and mysterious character of the song live, creating a magical start to the set. Petronella Nettermalm’s vocal performance, supported by a strong rhythm section and layered keyboards, drew the listeners deeper into Paatos’ world.

After this energetic opening, the band continued with “Happiness” , a song that shifted the mood to a more upbeat tone. This track, with its infectious melodies and subtle influences from bands like Porcupine Tree and Radiohead, evoked a sense of joy and introspection in the audience. The combination of hypnotic keys and powerful guitar work resulted in a dynamic performance.

Paatos then surprised the crowd with the introduction of new material, including “Beyond”. This track offered a first glimpse into the dark and profound themes of their upcoming album, showcasing the band’s ongoing musical evolution. Like the other new songs, such as “I’m Letting Go”, “Ligament”, “Chemical” and “Last Ones”, “Beyond” was well received by the audience. The live performance suggested that the band remains true to their signature sound while simultaneously exploring new musical paths.

The set continued with “Gone”, a track from their album Breathing (2011). The performance was both powerful and emotionally charged, with strong contributions from Ivarsson on bass and Hux Nettermalm on drums. The band succeeded in translating the complex, layered sound of the studio recording to the stage.

“Absinth Minded”, another highlight of the evening, offered a dark and immersive experience, where the keyboards played a significant role. The final song of the regular set, “Breathing” was a powerful statement, once again proving Paatos’ ability to combine emotion and musical complexity. The build-up of the song to a climax provided an intense conclusion to the main set, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the encore.


The set concluded with “Tea”, a song that in all its simplicity and beauty provided a perfect ending to a memorable performance. Sung in Swedish and dedicated to the daughter of Petronella and Hux Nettermalm, this track touched the audience with its delicate and melancholic atmosphere. The transition from soft to intense was masterfully executed, bringing the performance to an intimate and emotional climax.

At the Ino-Rock Festival 2024, Paatos demonstrated that they both respect their past and confidently look towards the future. With a set that struck a perfect balance between old favorites and exciting new tracks, the band reaffirmed their status as an intriguing and innovative act in the (progressive) rock scene. Their upcoming album, which focuses on the impact of humanity on the planet as well as the ever-present themes of life and death, has set high expectations. The audience was treated to an evening full of musical highlights, and the anticipation for what lies ahead is now greater than ever.